Small Business

Your year-end numbers are more than just tax data. Learn how to use your FY26 financial reports to plan a stronger, more profitable FY27.

The end of financial year is nearly here. Here’s what small business owners should do before 31 March, plus the key tax, payroll and KiwiSaver changes starting 1 April.

Most business loan applications don’t fail because the business isn’t good enough – they fail because preparation happens too late. This guide explains what lenders actually look for, the common mistakes that slow approvals, and how early planning can turn funding into a strategic tool rather than a stressful scramble.

January has a different energy to December. December is about closing loops. January is about choosing which ones you open next. As the year gets underway, many business owners feel both refreshed and slightly overwhelmed – motivated to make progress, but unsure where to focus first.

As the year winds down, we’ve been thinking about the ideas and conversations that shaped 2025 for our team – the themes that came up again and again in workshops, advisory sessions, and chats with clients navigating growth, change, and the everyday realities of running a business.

The Reserve Bank has dropped the Official Cash Rate again from 2.5% to 2.25% and while the move was expected, we see this as the final cut in the current cycle.

Running a business means juggling a lot of moving parts. Picking the right software can make that juggling act a lot easier, while the wrong choice can slow things down, frustrate your team, and create extra work.

Marketing doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or expensive. For most small businesses, growth comes from doing the simple things well, consistently. Here are five practical tips you can start using straight away – with clear steps you can implement this week.

Buying a business can be an exciting growth step – but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Before you commit, it’s important to look beyond the sales pitch and dig into the details with a pre-purchase business review.

Bringing on a new team member is a big milestone for any business – so first off, congrats! Growth is exciting. Whether you’re hiring your very first employee or adding to an existing team, it’s a strong signal that your business is heading in the right direction.